Chapman tennis gets a fresh start in 2026

Photo Courtesy of Chapman Athletics

Chapman’s tennis program is looking to raise the bar this season. 

Last year, the men’s team closed out their season with a 4-13 record, and the women’s team finished at 4-11. However, the Panthers have begun this season undefeated, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning all of their first three matches.

So who is behind this change? The turnaround started with newly appointed head coach, Evan Parry. Prior to his arrival, one thing was for certain — Chapman tennis needed redirection. Their recent success is proof that the winning elements have been there all along. The Panthers now have a coach who can push them to new heights.

For Parry, the wins are great, but the shift in culture is the real story.

“They all just seemed really, really hungry to improve and just to have a positive atmosphere, ” Parry said.

Upon meeting some of the students and staff during the interview process, Parry knew Chapman would be the perfect place to establish a new culture centered on support and growth as a team.

“I guess part of my coaching philosophy is, I need to really know the person, not just the athlete,” Parry said.

His coaching style extends beyond the game. Parry encourages his teams to spend time together, whether it's grabbing food after practice, studying together or simply being there for one another.

“Our coaches have never really prioritized team building or teamwork (in the past), and so it's really nice to have that,” junior finance major and captain Aram Izmirian said. “You can just tell already that the energy is different.”

Photo courtesy of Chapman Athletics

Not everyone gets to see the court in tennis. That’s when being a team player really matters most, whether you’re on the bench or the court.

The women’s team has experienced the same change in morale. In their 4-3 win against Ottawa University Arizona, the Panthers clinched their first doubles win, which set the tone for the rest of the match.

“There was just so much noise coming from our teammates, whether they're on the court or off the court. It was just really energetic,” senior biological sciences major and captain Makaylee Dahms said.

That energy is only the beginning for what Parry and his teams have in store for this season.

“I think that the culture we're trying to create this year is just having a great time, making things fun, putting everything out there (on the court) and making every match something that we're proud of,” junior health sciences major and captain Malina Dahms said.

With a promising start to the season already in motion, the Panthers want to redefine what Chapman tennis is all about. The hope is that results go beyond the scoreboard and into creating a program culture that lasts.